Agenda
With over 30 timely topics and 80+ handpicked speakers, RISE West 2024 covers the tried-and-true risk adjustment and quality content, plus expanded themes covering member engagement, policy, regulatory updates, and payer/provider alignment.
The main conference kicks off at 4:10pm on Wednesday, September 11. Pre-conference sessions begin at 9:00am on Wednesday, September 11 and require pre-registration. Please note the time that each of these sessions begins so you can plan your travel accordingly.
11:00 AM 12:00 PM
10:00 AM 11:00 AM
9:00 AM 10:00 AM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM
Preconference Workshop Registration Desk Hours: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
*Additional Registration Required
Main Conference Registration Desk Hours: 1:00PM - 5:30PM
11:00 AM 12:00 PM
10:00 AM 11:00 AM
9:00 AM 10:00 AM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM
*Additional Registration Required
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
11:00 AM 5:00 PM
10:00 AM 4:00 PM
9:00 AM 3:00 PM
*Additional Registration is Required. Breakfast and Lunch is Included with Workshop A.
Join RISE for an interactive workshop where participants will learn the building blocks of implementing a strong outpatient clinical documentation improvement program at their organization.
Outpatient CDI brings the information needed for better patient outcomes closer to the point of care. This improves both patient experience and provider engagement. This workshop is designed for administrators, coding/cdi professionals, and any healthcare leader who wants to take their value-based healthcare efforts to the next level.
Join RISE for an introduction on why CDI is such a hot topic in the outpatient setting.
Participants will learn from our expert facilitators as well as their peers from across all sectors of our industry. Participants can expect to dialogue, interact, and work in small, facilitated groups with peers and colleagues.
Get insights into:
Colleen Gianatasio CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC
Director, Clinical Documentation Integrity and Coding Compliance
Capital District Physician’s Health Plan
Donna Malone, CPC, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor, AHCCA, RAP
Director Risk Capture, Population Health Management
Mass General Brigham
12:30 PM 2:00 PM
11:30 AM 1:00 PM
10:30 AM 12:00 PM
9:30 AM 11:00 AM
*Additional Registration is Required. Brunch is Included.
Hear stories from women leaders that have risen the ranks in health care, with take aways on how they got to where they are, gain practical tips on navigating the “corporate ladder” and discuss how women can help others both in their organizations as well as women’s initiatives in their community.
Moderator:
Erin Montgomery
COO
Porter
Pamela Galley
SVP/Area Manager Diablo Service Area
Kaiser Permanente
Panelists to be announced
2:00 PM 3:00 PM
1:00 PM 2:00 PM
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
11:00 AM 12:00 PM
*Additional Registration Required
2:00 PM 6:00 PM
1:00 PM 5:00 PM
12:00 PM 4:00 PM
11:00 AM 3:00 PM
Snag a complimentary professional headshot while attending a pre-conference workshop. Whether updating your LinkedIn profile, company website, or personal branding materials, a high-quality headshot can make a significant impact.
Interested in sponsoring the Headshot Café? Contact sponsorshipwfra@wilmingtonplc.com.
3:00 PM 6:00 PM
2:00 PM 5:00 PM
1:00 PM 4:00 PM
12:00 PM 3:00 PM
*Additional Registration is Required. Lunch is Included with Workshop B.
Designed for professionals from health plans and health care providers with beginner to intermediate knowledge of AI, this workshop is focused on practical applications, emerging risks, and opportunities of AI in the managed care sector.
Laura Sheriff, RN, MSN, CPC, CRC
Contracting Risk Adjustment Specialist
Khalid Turk MBA, PMP, PMI-ACP, CHCIO, CDH-E, ITIL
Chief Health Information Technology Officer
County of Santa Clara
Karen Marie Joswick
President/CEO
Benevolence Health
3:00 PM 6:00 PM
2:00 PM 5:00 PM
1:00 PM 4:00 PM
12:00 PM 3:00 PM
*Additional Registration is Required. Lunch is Included with Workshop C.
New to this year’s conference, join RISE for a groundbreaking interactive workshop and team-based game offering an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the complexities and strategies of managing a Medicare Advantage health plan.
This session is designed for both industry veterans and newcomers alike. Whether you are an experienced professional looking to refine your strategies or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical skills.
Collaborate with peers in the MA space for a highly interactive and engaging workshop setting curated by expert leaders who have steered their own plan teams to success during turbulent times. Learn from multi-disciplinary expertise in Star Ratings, Risk Adjustment, Benefit Design, Compliance, and Plan Operations and walk away with takeaways on connectivity amongst departments, keys to budget management, and practical strategies to enhance plan performance all while staying compliant during times of change.
Walk away with a greater understanding of how to mitigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that plans face today and in 2025. (and, did we mention there’s prizes?!)
Attendees will:
Jenn Kerfoot
Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
DUOS
Rex Wallace
Principal
Rex Wallace Consulting, LLC
Nate Lucena
CSO
Rex Wallace Consulting, LLC
Ryan Dodson
Risk Adjustment Consultant
Choice Medical Group
3:00 PM 6:00 PM
2:00 PM 5:00 PM
1:00 PM 4:00 PM
12:00 PM 3:00 PM
*Additional Registration Required (Limited to 35 Attendees). Lunch is Included with Workshop D.
Leadership is an art that can be learned and practiced by anyone who aspires to make a difference in their organization, their community or the world. But what does it mean to lead authentically?
Learn that, and more, in this special workshop.
Designed for rising stars who are ready to sit the driver’s seat of the future and make meaningful steps towards the next steps in their career,
A mix of theory, lived experience shared by authentic leaders and interactivity with workshops leaders and attendees, this session is sure to leave an impact on your leadership development.
Attendees:
DeAnna Minus-Vincent
President & CEO
The D-velopment Group, Inc.
former Executive Vice President and Chief Social Justice and Accountability Officer at RWJ Barnabas Health
Marci Lesko
CEO
UnitedWay of the Lehigh Valley
6:00 PM 6:10 PM
5:00 PM 5:10 PM
4:00 PM 4:10 PM
3:00 PM 3:10 PM
6:10 PM 6:15 PM
5:10 PM 5:15 PM
4:10 PM 4:15 PM
3:10 PM 3:15 PM
6:15 PM 7:15 PM
5:15 PM 6:15 PM
4:15 PM 5:15 PM
3:15 PM 4:15 PM
Join us as Heather “Lucky” Penney recounts her experience on the morning of 9/11, when she and her flight lead were sent in a suicide mission against Flight 93. Her reflections on the extraordinary heroism of the passengers show us how we, too, can choose to cultivate our own inner hero.
Heather “Lucky” Penney
Heroic 9/11 F-16 Fighter Pilot
7:15 PM 8:15 PM
6:15 PM 7:15 PM
5:15 PM 6:15 PM
4:15 PM 5:15 PM
Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.
9:30 AM 10:45 AM
8:30 AM 9:45 AM
7:30 AM 8:45 AM
6:30 AM 7:45 AM
9:30 AM 8:25 PM
8:30 AM 7:25 PM
7:30 AM 6:25 PM
6:30 AM 5:25 PM
9:30 AM 10:30 AM
8:30 AM 9:30 AM
7:30 AM 8:30 AM
6:30 AM 7:30 AM
*Free to attend but separate registration required. Limited to 40 participants.
10:45 AM 11:00 AM
9:45 AM 10:00 AM
8:45 AM 9:00 AM
7:45 AM 8:00 AM
Co-Chair: Ana Handshuh, Cat5 Strategies
11:00 AM 11:50 AM
10:00 AM 10:50 AM
9:00 AM 9:50 AM
8:00 AM 8:50 AM
Hear insights directly from the OIG and DOJ on areas of risk to be mindful of and what to anticipate coming down the pike.
Carolyn Kapustij
Senior Advisor for Manged Care
HHS Office of Inspector General
11:50 AM 12:40 PM
10:50 AM 11:40 AM
9:50 AM 10:40 AM
8:50 AM 9:40 AM
Moderator:
to be announced
Panelists:
Greg Dadlez, MHA
VP, Value-Based Performance
Ochsner Health Network
Liz Haynes MSN, RN, CCM
DVP, Risk Adjustment & Stars Government Programs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Rebecca Welling
Vice President Risk Adjustment
Intermountain Health
12:40 PM 1:05 PM
11:40 AM 12:05 PM
10:40 AM 11:05 AM
9:40 AM 10:05 AM
1:05 PM 1:55 PM
12:05 PM 12:55 PM
11:05 AM 11:55 AM
10:05 AM 10:55 AM
Moderator:
to be announced
Panelists:
Nebeyou Abebe
Senior Vice President of Social Determinants of Health
Highmark Health
Additional speakers to be announced
1:55 PM 2:35 PM
12:55 PM 1:35 PM
11:55 AM 12:35 PM
10:55 AM 11:35 AM
With a lifetime of experience as a congenital quad amputee, seasoned Paralympic swimmer, and accessibility designer, Jonathan brings a worldly perspective unmatched. Fueled by his desire to trailblaze for future generations and those whose voices aren’t heard, he has set out to be the change. Jonathan thrives to find unique and out-of-the-box solutions to overcome any form of obstacle that stands in the way.
In this special presentation, Jonathan shares his unique outlook on resiliency, determination, and discusses ways for health care to be more inclusive for all.
Jonathan Heider Laedtke
Paralympic Swimmer, Inclusivity Expert, Speaker
Split Star Productions
2:35 PM 3:35 PM
1:35 PM 2:35 PM
12:35 PM 1:35 PM
11:35 AM 12:35 PM
Track A - Health Plan Operations (RA & Quality)
Track B - Digital Transformation
Track C - Plan / Provider Partnerships – Track Chair: Dr Ekaette Joseph-Isang, Principal Consultant, Ritebridge
3:35 PM 4:20 PM
2:35 PM 3:20 PM
1:35 PM 2:20 PM
12:35 PM 1:20 PM
Moderator:
Lesley Weir
Senior Director, Solutions Strategy
Veradigm
Panelists:
Dr. Shannon Decker, PhD., MBA, MBA, M.Ed., M.Ed.
Principal
VBC One
Katie O’Hearn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, CRC
Manager, Program Management – Risk Adjustment
Star and Risk Adjustment Center of Excellence
BlueCross Blue Shield MN
Carrie Horn MSHA, BBA, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CRC, CPC
System Director Outpatient Clinical Documentation Integrity
Baylor Scott & White Health
3:35 PM 4:20 PM
2:35 PM 3:20 PM
1:35 PM 2:20 PM
12:35 PM 1:20 PM
Presented by Apixio
3:35 PM 4:20 PM
2:35 PM 3:20 PM
1:35 PM 2:20 PM
12:35 PM 1:20 PM
Michelle Zilisch
Director of Product Management
Episource
Additional Speaker to be announced
4:20 PM 4:25 PM
3:20 PM 3:25 PM
2:20 PM 2:25 PM
1:20 PM 1:25 PM
4:25 PM 5:10 PM
3:25 PM 4:10 PM
2:25 PM 3:10 PM
1:25 PM 2:10 PM
4:25 PM 5:10 PM
3:25 PM 4:10 PM
2:25 PM 3:10 PM
1:25 PM 2:10 PM
Speakers to be announced
4:25 PM 5:10 PM
3:25 PM 4:10 PM
2:25 PM 3:10 PM
1:25 PM 2:10 PM
Moderator:
Mary Feliz, CRC
Manager, Risk Adjustment Consulting
Pareto Intelligence
Panelists:
Kenneth Persaud, MD
CEO
White-Wilson Medical Center, P.A.
Sunita E. Varghees, MD
VP, Physician Documentation
Baylor Scott & White Health
Kwame Appiah-Yeboah
Director, Risk Adjustment & Revenue Management
Sentara Health Plans
Jeremy Cale Browning, MBA, CPC, CRC
Director – CDE Performance Management
Ochsner Health Network (OHN)
5:10 PM 5:35 PM
4:10 PM 4:35 PM
3:10 PM 3:35 PM
2:10 PM 2:35 PM
5:35 PM 6:20 PM
4:35 PM 5:20 PM
3:35 PM 4:20 PM
2:35 PM 3:20 PM
Donna Malone, CPC, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor, AHCCA, RAP
Director Risk Capture, Population Health Management
Mass General Brigham
5:35 PM 6:20 PM
4:35 PM 5:20 PM
3:35 PM 4:20 PM
2:35 PM 3:20 PM
Katharine Iskrant
President
Healthy People, Inc.
Julianne Eckert
Senior Director, Clinical Quality Programs
Clover Health
5:35 PM 6:20 PM
4:35 PM 5:20 PM
3:35 PM 4:20 PM
2:35 PM 3:20 PM
Nicole Wright MSN, RN, CBN
Director of Clinical Coordination
Inspira
Renee Cline RN, MSN, CNML
Manager of Practice Coordination
Inspira
6:20 PM 6:25 PM
5:20 PM 5:25 PM
4:20 PM 4:25 PM
3:20 PM 3:25 PM
6:25 PM 7:25 PM
5:25 PM 6:25 PM
4:25 PM 5:25 PM
3:25 PM 4:25 PM
Join us for interactive roundtables featuring the latest technologies and solutions for boosting your organization’s endeavors. These speed-networking type presentations are 20 minutes long, allowing you to make your way to three roundtables per session. Participate in 4 roundtables between Thursday and Friday’s roundtable sessions and be entered into a drawing; 100 participants will receive complimentary Maui Jim sunglasses!
7:25 PM 8:25 PM
6:25 PM 7:25 PM
5:25 PM 6:25 PM
4:25 PM 5:25 PM
Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.
10:00 AM 11:00 AM
9:00 AM 10:00 AM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM
7:00 AM 8:00 AM
10:00 AM 3:45 PM
9:00 AM 2:45 PM
8:00 AM 1:45 PM
7:00 AM 12:45 PM
10:00 AM 11:00 AM
9:00 AM 10:00 AM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM
7:00 AM 8:00 AM
Join us for interactive roundtables featuring the latest technologies and solutions for boosting your organization’s endeavors. These speed-networking type presentations are 20 minutes long, allowing you to make your way to three roundtables per session. Participate in 4 roundtables between Thursday and Friday’s roundtable sessions and be entered into a drawing; 100 participants will receive complimentary Maui Jim sunglasses!
11:00 AM 11:10 AM
10:00 AM 10:10 AM
9:00 AM 9:10 AM
8:00 AM 8:10 AM
Co-Chair: Ana Handshuh, Cat5 Strategies
11:10 AM 12:00 PM
10:10 AM 11:00 AM
9:10 AM 10:00 AM
8:10 AM 9:00 AM
Back by popular demand, hear direct feedback from a panel of Medicare & MA customers around their experience, access to care and ways to improve health plan services.
Kathleen Ellmore
Cofounder & Managing Partner
Engagys
12:00 PM 12:50 PM
11:00 AM 11:50 AM
10:00 AM 10:50 AM
9:00 AM 9:50 AM
Hear from Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse and storyteller on life lessons and profound wisdom gleaned from her hospice patients as well as suggestions on how managed care leaders can positively impact end-of-life care.
Reflect how end-of-life care not only imparts lessons on mortality but also enlightens us on how to truly live.
Hadley Vlahos, RN
Registered Nurse Specialized in Hospice and Palliative care
NYT Best-Selling Author
“The In Between – Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments”
Founder
Hadley House
12:50 PM 1:10 PM
11:50 AM 12:10 PM
10:50 AM 11:10 AM
9:50 AM 10:10 AM
Book Giveaway and Signing
“The In Between – Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments” by Hadley Vlahos, RN
Track A - Health Plan Operations (RA & Quality)
Track B - Keys to Compliance
Track C – Provider Spotlights – Track Chair: Dr Ekaette Joseph-Isang, Principal Consultant, Ritebridge
1:10 PM 1:55 PM
12:10 PM 12:55 PM
11:10 AM 11:55 AM
10:10 AM 10:55 AM
Moderator:
Melissa Silva
Payer Solutions
Datavant
Panelists:
Omar Daoud
Senior Director of Pharmacy
Community Health Plan of Washington
Melissa Smith
Founder
Newton Smith Group
1:10 PM 1:55 PM
12:10 PM 12:55 PM
11:10 AM 11:55 AM
10:10 AM 10:55 AM
Jennifer Dietz
Director, Health Care Fraud Division
Defense Health Agency (OIG)
1:10 PM 1:55 PM
12:10 PM 12:55 PM
11:10 AM 11:55 AM
10:10 AM 10:55 AM
Moderator:
Laura Sheriff, RN, MSN, CPC, CRC
Contracting Risk Adjustment Specialist
Panelists:
Helen L. Veet DNP, RN
Director of Quality Management- PA Medicaid
AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania
Keystone First
Mital Brahmbhatt, MHA, LMSW
Director, Health Management
Memorial Hermann
Jenni Monfils
AVP, Risk and Quality Provider Engagement Education
Molina Healthcare, Inc.
1:55 PM 2:00 PM
12:55 PM 1:00 PM
11:55 AM 12:00 PM
10:55 AM 11:00 AM
2:00 PM 2:45 PM
1:00 PM 1:45 PM
12:00 PM 12:45 PM
11:00 AM 11:45 AM
Melissa Smith
Founder
Newton Smith Group
2:00 PM 2:45 PM
1:00 PM 1:45 PM
12:00 PM 12:45 PM
11:00 AM 11:45 AM
Moderator:
Mary Inman
Partner
Whistleblower Partners LLP
Panelists:
Jason N. Silberberg, Esq.
Partner
Frier Levitt
Liz Soltan
Associate
Whistleblower Partners
Additional Speakers to be announced
2:00 PM 2:45 PM
1:00 PM 1:45 PM
12:00 PM 12:45 PM
11:00 AM 11:45 AM
2:45 PM 3:45 PM
1:45 PM 2:45 PM
12:45 PM 1:45 PM
11:45 AM 12:45 PM
3:45 PM 4:30 PM
2:45 PM 3:30 PM
1:45 PM 2:30 PM
12:45 PM 1:30 PM
Moderator:
Doug Wackowski
Vice President, Prospective Service Solutions
Advantmed
Panelists:
Colleen Gianatasio CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC
Director, Clinical Documentation Integrity and Coding Compliance
Capital District Physician’s Health Plan
Mark Dabney, PMP
Director, Risk Adjustment
Community Health Plan of Washington
Jeanine Bumford CPC CRC
Director of Risk Adjustment Operations
Christus Health
3:45 PM 4:30 PM
2:45 PM 3:30 PM
1:45 PM 2:30 PM
12:45 PM 1:30 PM
Amy Jack
Risk Adjustment Coding Manager
SelectHealth
3:45 PM 4:30 PM
2:45 PM 3:30 PM
1:45 PM 2:30 PM
12:45 PM 1:30 PM
Rebecca Yanniello
Vice President, Population Health
Regal Medical Group
4:30 PM 4:40 PM
3:30 PM 3:40 PM
2:30 PM 2:40 PM
1:30 PM 1:40 PM
4:40 PM 5:20 PM
3:40 PM 4:20 PM
2:40 PM 3:20 PM
1:40 PM 2:20 PM
Hear from a panel of distinguished and seasoned leaders in public health and managed care on keys to moving the needle in patient care.
Moderator:
Dr. Shannon Decker, PhD., MBA, MBA, M.Ed., M.Ed.
Principal
VBC One
Panelists:
DeAnna Minus-Vincent
President & CEO
The D-velopment Group, Inc.
former Executive Vice President and Chief Social Justice and Accountability Officer at RWJ Barnabas Health
Rebecca Yanniello
Vice President, Population Health
Regal Medical Group
Helen L. Veet DNP, RN
Director of Quality Management- PA Medicaid
AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania
Keystone First
5:20 PM 5:25 PM
4:20 PM 4:25 PM
3:20 PM 3:25 PM
2:20 PM 2:25 PM
Co-Chair: Ana Handshuh, Cat5 Strategies